Now Discussing

WATCH: Man Brandishing Axe Chased Through Birmingham

This captivating video shows police in Birmingham chasing a man with an axe through the city centre.

Rinemo Burrowes, of Chatham Road, Birmingham, was jailed for 18 months following the chase on June 19 this year.

The 22-year-old was chased by officers through the Moor Street link underpass and was ordered to stop on a number of occasions.

Burrowes continued to run but was pushed into a wall by a passer-by at the top of steps leading to the Bullring.

A cornered Burrowes was asked to drop the weapon once again but then ran off.

Eventually he was apprehended and charged with possession of an offensive weapon and resisting a police officer.

He admitted the charges and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court.

PC Rob Kelly from the British Transport Police, one of the officers who chased Burrowes, said: "Burrowes claimed he was taking the axe to his mother's house for sharpening so he could make a bed frame at home.

"He was given numerous opportunities to offer an explanation at the scene, which he never did.

"Instead, he chose to run off from us - carrying his weapon through a busy city centre - and was also seen reaching for it when officers tried to stop him.

"With previous convictions for burglary and robbery, all involving a weapon, we suspect Burrowes' intentions for carrying the axe were not entirely innocent.

"While we are extremely grateful to the member of public who intervened, this is not something we would advise people do because, as this incident shows, you never know what a fleeing suspect might have on them.

"Thankfully on this occasion, nobody was hurt and the public should be reassured swift action by our officers resulted in an armed criminal being taken off our streets."